Ryan Giggs is well on his way to completing his Uefa Pro Licence (Picture: Reuters)

Ryan Giggs has the potential to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager when he finally hangs up his boots, according to former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 39-year-old Welshman made his 1,000th senior appearance for club and country in last week’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, in a career spanning 22 years and will continue in a Manchester United shirt until at least the end of next season, after signing a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.

But Solskjaer, who himself enjoyed a hugely successful nine years at Manchester United and has since taken his first steps in management with Norwegian side Molde, believes Giggs has the potential to remain a key figure at Old Trafford, even after his incredible career finally comes to an end.

Ryan Giggs will remain a Manchester United player until at least the end of next year (Picture: AFP)

‘Giggsy is going to play another year (but) I’d say he’s got his eyes and ears open more to what the manager is doing,’ Solskjaer said.

‘He’s looking at that (United) job for himself, Giggsy. He’s got top potential.’

Giggs is currently undertaking his Uefa Pro Licence in preparation for life after playing, having previously indicated that management will be his chosen path in the future.